Braver Angels Minnesota in the news
Building Civic Hope through Braver Angels
Fulcrum, July 17, 2024
Harry C. Boyte, wrote "Last month’s Braver Angels convention in Kenosha, Wis., began with perhaps the largest debate watch party in the nation. Around 700 delegates observed the exchanges between Donald Trump and Joe Biden on a giant screen in the chapel of Carthage College on the shore of Lake Michigan. Equal numbers of Republicans wearing red lanyards and Democrats wearing blue ones, roughly 300 of each, with 170 independents and “others” identified by yellow and white, mingled together....“Civic renewal … requires citizen-led action on common problems. Such action usually begins at the local level and strengthens local cultures of citizenship, while enhancing democratic patriotism and love of country. Civic action builds civic muscle — our capacity to work together across our differences — and in so doing, creates hope. It returns citizens to the center of the democratic way of life.”... To read the article online, visit Building Civic Hope through Braver Angels.
Bill Doherty on WCCO-AM: Responding to the assassination attempt
News Talk WCCO AM, July 15, 2024
Minneapolis, Minn.
In response to the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump, Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty was interviewed on WCCO-AM's Adam and Jordana Show about the need to tone down our political rhetoric. Bill talked about political polarization and cited the Reduce the Rancor Campaign that Braver Angels launched in March as a resource for developing more civil conversations around politics.
Bill's remarks include these points -
Yesterday was a devastating day for our nation. It’s on each of us to stop this dangerous cycle of mutual destruction. No matter where we land on the political spectrum, here’s what we must do as we head into the upcoming election:
The immediate priority is to not escalate an already precarious situation. Do not throw fuel on the fire through attacks and counterattacks over responsibility for the assassination attempt. We’ve gotten ourselves into a deep hole. The first thing we must do is stop digging.
We have to tone down the apocalyptic rhetoric that our democracy will not survive four years of President Trump or President Biden. When the survival of the American experiment is at stake, violence can seem justified and even heroic. We have to believe in ourselves that we can hold onto our democratic republic no matter who wins or loses an election.
We must use this time to soul-search what we’ve allowed to happen in our political culture, from the national to the local level, and in our families and friendships. Polarization is a “We the People” problem and not just a “those politicians” problem. We have a role to play.
For years, we’ve unleashed bitter contempt on our fellow Americans who think and voter differently and, as a result, have created a toxic cycle to which both sides contribute. Together, we can change the trajectory of this polarization. Now is the time. Our country depends on it.
To listen to the full interview, go to the Audacity recording of News Talk WCCO AM's Adam and Jordana Show; Click on See all chapters, then scroll to Part 12, 10:36-10:51 a.m. (The interview begins after a short weather report.)
To read the transcript: Bill Doherty on WCCO-AM: Responding to the assassination attempt (PDF)
MPR News, July 2, 2024
A Braver Angel in Ely told MPR, "...Braver Angels has taught him that the language people use to discuss politics can be polarizing. So, he’s trying to check himself, especially in the opinion pieces he sends to the local paper.
“I have toned down my letters to the editor. I was pretty scathing,” he said. “In college, I learned a few things from one of my professors: She said, ‘You know, if you want to make your point, use telling facts.’ So that’s what I do. I use telling facts.” ... more
Northern News Now, June 9, 2024
Duluth, Minn.
Northern News Now covered the local Braver Angels discussion about gun control. "While the topic of politics may come up in conversation at many bars or taprooms around our region, a gathering at Bent Paddle Brewing on June 9 aimed to make those types of interactions easier to maneuver...According to organizers, the purpose is to allow people on all sides of the political spectrum to speak their minds on an issue and calmly learn why people feel the way they do.
“We’ve noticed that it’s getting where people are having more and more trouble just having a conversation about politics, where it’s harder to find the middle. We like the term common ground,” said John Wolforth, Braver Angels Northern Minnesota Alliance co-chair.
According to organizers, there are some bigger gatherings planned for the fall, including workshops that will bring together Braver Angels and the University of Wisconsin.
MPR News with Angela Davis, June 6, 2024
Have you ever had a conversation about politics that grew into a heated argument or maybe the opposite — froze into a chilly silence?
Or maybe you just avoid talking with people who don’t share your opinions on issues you care deeply about.
MPR News with Angela Davis shares a conversation that will help you communicate better in a politically polarized time.
On April 24, a group of college students and other community members gathered for a workshop at the Historic Chateau Theatre in Rochester organized by MPR News, the University of Minnesota Rochester and Braver Angels, a nonprofit organization that seeks to restore trust, respect and goodwill in American politics.
Braver Angels Minnesota Newsletter
One’s a Conservative, One’s a Liberal. Here’s Their Secret to Friendship
Inside Hook, a magazine aimed at men, April 24, 2024
Link: https://www.insidehook.com/mental-health/conservative-republican-liberal-democrat-friendship-secret
Inside Hook Features Editor Alex Lauer writes about his conversation with Bob Osburn Jr. and Bruce Pomerantz.
KTTC-TV, Rochester, April 23, 2024
Chris Schoenherr, Braver Angels ambassador, was interviewed on KTTC-TV about the April 24 workshop Skills for Disagreeing Better in Rochester. Chris provides an overview of Braver Angels while promoting the workshop and the April 29 recap of the workshop. See Events for more information.
April 4, 2024
Talking Sense: The roots of political polarization
Minnesota Public Radio News, April 4, 2024
MPR aired Talking Sense: The roots of political polarization, a report on its first Talking Sense event held Feb. 27 in Woodbury.
Ed Marek and Jeff Thiemann on 950 AM Radio
950 AM, March 31, 2024
Ed Marek and Jeff Thiemann discussed Braver Angels on 950 AM radio. Ed is a Braver Angels Ambassador and Minnesota Representative and Liaison in the Braver Network; Jeff Thiemann is on the Braver Angels State Steering Team Member and also serves as o-chair for the Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota campaign. In this broadcast, they talk about the work, training, and events that Braver Angels is doing in Minnesota. To listen to the interview, visit Ed Marek and Jeff Thiemann on 950 AM Radio.
Our View: Parties can back up bit talk on political civility
Duluth News Tribune, March 25, 2024
Our View: Parties can back up big talk on political civility (access to full editorial requires signing up for free account)
Campaign calls on Minnesotans to ‘reduce the rancor’ in 2024
Republican Eagle, March 17, 2024
Cannon Falls, Minn. -- A statewide campaign kicked off Monday that calls on Minnesotans across the political spectrum to reduce polarization during the 2024 election.
Called “Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota,” the campaign is sponsored by the nonprofit Braver Angels and is supported by the chairs of Minnesota’s two major political parties. Elected officials, colleges and universities and religious and civic groups are also supporting the campaign.
The campaign asks organizations and Minnesotans to take at least one action to lower the temperature in their conversations about politics.
Minnesota Republican Chair David Hann and DFL Chair Ken Martin joined the kick-off event at the University of St. Thomas Monday.
Hann said he is sometimes criticized by his party for talking with Democrats, but he doesn’t consider Democrats as “our enemy.”
“There are a lot of things we disagree on – many things, a lot of things – but one thing I do believe is we have to find ways to work together to find some kind of common ground,” Hann said.
Martin said that it’s OK for people to disagree and people can disagree without being disagreeable.
“People aren’t listening to each other anymore. People should not be afraid to share their opinions, but to open their ears and listen to others. You might actually learn something and find common ground,” Martin said.
Bill Doherty, a co-founder of Braver Angels and a University of Minnesota professor, said that the campaign’s key message is that people can learn to “disagree better.”
“This does not mean giving up cherished values or policy beliefs. It means learning to disagree with respect rather than rancor,” Doherty said.
Two state party chairs and 21 partners join with Braver Angels calling on Minnesotans to “reduce the rancor” in 2024
March 12, 2024
Braver Angels Minnesota news release
St. Paul, Minn. – A statewide campaign began Monday that calls on Minnesotans across the political spectrum – liberals, conservatives and independents – to help reduce hostile polarization during what promises to be a politically divisive
election year.
Called “Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota,” the campaign is sponsored by the nonprofit Braver Angels and championed by the chairs of the state’s two major political parties and 21 organizations that include elected officials, colleges and universities, Minnesota Public Radio, professional associations, and religious and civic groups.
In a kick-off event held Monday at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, David Hann, chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, and Ken Martin, chairman of the Democrat-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, addressed students, campaign partners and Braver Angels members...more
St. Thomas takes steps to 'Reduce the Rancor'
March 12, 2004
By Manuela Hill-Muñoz
In an effort to help foster civility and diminish political polarization, the University of St. Thomas co-hosted the kickoff event for the statewide initiative, Reduce the Rancor. The university, in collaboration with the nonprofit organization Braver Angels, seeks to elevate discourse and reshape perspectives on political differences without altering individuals’ views on the issues themselves.
The event, held at the Iversen Center for Faith on March 11, surpassed expectations with an impressive turnout, reflecting a collective yearning for positive change. The initiative aims to address the divisive culture that has permeated various aspects of society, from government and schools to churches and families...more
Reduce the Rancor 2024, WCCO-TV CBS Morning News
March 11, 2024
WCCO-TV CBS Morning News
Video: Reduce the Rancor 2024
Bridging Divides: The Braver Angels answer to political polarization
March 5, 2024
Owatonna People's Press
By Roger Warehime
When I tell people about my work with Braver Angels, an organization working to bridge the political divide, I often get a raised eyebrow or a skeptical “Really, how do you plan to do that?” Given our ever-widening political rifts, their doubt is not surprising.
In this divided landscape, it’s key to understand two types of polarization. First, there’s attitudinal polarization – where we differ in our political views, values, and priorities. This kind is actually good; it helps us make better, well-rounded decisions. The second type, affective polarization, is the troublesome one. This isn’t about disagreeing on policies; it’s about disliking, even hating, those who aren’t in our in-group. It’s natural to feel a kinship with like-minded people, but the trouble starts when we can’t stand the other side, questioning their motives and even, in the worst cases, denying their humanity...more